Ray of sunshine

Team China star an inspiration — on and off the table

"Pursue your passion and stay focused." That's the message that Chinese table tennis hotshot Sun Yingsha wants to convey to her young fans.

As a Gen Z-er herself, the 23-year-old already tops the world rankings in women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles, with her stunning skills at the table and endearing personality in front of the cameras propelling her to global stardom.

Sun is especially adored by the younger generation of table tennis lovers, and she is gratified to see her popularity is encouraging more kids to pick up paddles.

"I have seen an increasing number of people, including children, getting into table tennis. Table tennis, I think, has gained a growing influence," Sun told China Daily online show On Your Marks.

"If you truly love it, I hope you can persevere no matter what difficulties or setbacks you encounter. These experiences will be the most precious ones of your life, so I hope that in table tennis you give it your all and pursue your dreams.

"Generation Z players and kids must have their own unique styles, qualities that set them apart. Whether they are young athletes who started earlier, or who have just joined the team, we all have our own flair and talents."

Sun has been in sensational form this season, notably winning the women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles gold medals at the 2023 Singapore Smash, a WTT Grand Smash event, in March.

In doing so, she became the first player in the tournament's history to win three gold medals at a single edition of the event. It also secured her position as the world No 1 in each discipline.

"I feel more motivated. My two playing partners are both world-class. When (Wang) Manyu is standing in front of me we are rivals, and when she is next to me we are well-matched partners," said Sun.

"The same with Wang Chuqin, one of the top male players now. When we stand next to each other competing against foreign players our confidence surges."

Sun has plenty more targets in her sights, especially winning an Olympic women's singles gold. She made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games two years ago, when she pocketed a silver in the singles and a gold in the women's team competition.

Clearly, that singles runner-up finish still stings, and she is determined to go one step further on the podium at the 2024 Games in Paris.

"I took part in the Olympics when I was 21. At that time I was not a complete enough player, so I was unable to win the women's singles gold," recalled Sun.

"I was not mature enough. I'm now 23, and looking back at those losses, I feel that I have learned a lot from them. Since the Olympics, I've also experienced many other defeats in other competitions, but I never give up. Life is never smooth, and you always face ups and downs. Determination and courage are what make an excellent athlete."